Chemicals in Chile Emerging Technologies Analysis¶

Emerging Technologies¶

The Chilean chemical industry value chain is set to be influenced by several emerging technologies and technological trends, primarily driven by the need for increased efficiency, sustainability, and the optimization of resource utilization. Based on the provided context, the key emerging technologies with potential impact are Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE), the development and adoption of Biocontrol Agents, the production of lower carbon footprint chemicals exemplified by "Blue Ammonium Nitrate", and the broader trend of Digitalization and Automation across operations.

Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE): This is a suite of technologies designed to extract lithium directly from brines, potentially offering higher recovery rates and significantly lower water usage compared to traditional solar evaporation ponds. [Innovation News Network - Chile switches to Direct Lithium Extraction, PV Magazine - Is fair lithium from Chile possible?] Given Chile's vast lithium reserves in arid regions like the Atacama Desert, the adoption of DLE could revolutionize the raw material extraction stage for lithium chemicals, addressing environmental concerns related to water consumption. This technology is still under development and testing by various players.

Biocontrol Agents: Representing a segment within agrochemicals, biocontrol agents are biologically derived products used for pest and disease control in agriculture. [Sumitomo Corporation - Sumitomo Corporation invests in Chilean biocontrol manufacturing company Bio Insumos Nativa] Their emergence reflects a growing global and local demand for more sustainable and less chemically intensive agricultural practices. Investment in companies like Bio Insumos Nativa signifies the increasing importance of this technology in the Chilean agrochemical market.

"Blue Ammonium Nitrate": This term refers to the development and production of ammonium nitrate for explosives with a significantly reduced carbon footprint compared to conventional methods. [AméricaEconomía - Chilean Codelco to use explosives with 40% less carbon footprint] Spearheaded by companies like Enaex, this technology addresses the increasing environmental demands from the mining sector, a major consumer of explosives. It represents a technological advancement in chemical manufacturing aimed at sustainability.

Digitalization and Automation: While not a single technology, the increasing integration of digital technologies and automation across the value chain is an emerging trend. This includes the use of data analytics, automated systems in production and logistics, and digital platforms for improved efficiency, safety, and supply chain management. [Mecalux.cl - Los retos de almacenar productos químicos, Noatum Logistics - Integrated logistics solutions for the Chemical Industry] These technologies have the potential to optimize processes from manufacturing to distribution and interaction with end-use industries.

Table of Potential Value Chain Impact and Industry Opportunities and Challenges of the Technologies¶

Emerging Technology	Value Chain Stage(s) Impacted	Potential Impact on Value Chain Stage(s)	Industry Opportunities	Industry Challenges
Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE)	Raw Material Extraction, Manufacturing and Production	Potentially higher lithium recovery rates, significantly reduced water consumption, altered brine processing methods. [Innovation News Network - Chile switches to Direct Lithium Extraction, PV Magazine - Is fair lithium from Chile possible?]	Increased efficiency and sustainability in lithium production; potential for new market entrants or altered competitive dynamics in lithium extraction; meeting global demand more sustainably.	High upfront investment costs for new technology; technical challenges in scaling up DLE; potential impact on existing solar evaporation infrastructure; regulatory adaptation.
Biocontrol Agents	Manufacturing and Production (Agrochemicals), Distribution and Logistics, End-Use Industries (Agriculture)	Shift in agrochemical production towards biological formulations; new distribution channels; alternative pest/disease control for farmers. [Sumitomo Corporation - Sumitomo Corporation invests in Chilean biocontrol manufacturing company Bio Insumos Nativa]	Capturing market share in the growing sustainable agriculture segment; developing new product portfolios; partnering with agricultural producers for integrated pest management solutions.	R&D investment in biological formulations; educating farmers on product application and efficacy; competition with established synthetic pesticide market; ensuring consistent product quality.
"Blue Ammonium Nitrate"	Manufacturing and Production (Explosives), Distribution and Logistics, End-Use Industries (Mining)	Lower carbon footprint in explosives production; differentiation of products based on sustainability; reduced environmental impact in mining operations. [AméricaEconomía - Chilean Codelco to use explosives with 40% less carbon footprint]	Meeting the increasing demand for sustainable inputs from the mining industry; gaining a competitive advantage through greener products; potential for premium pricing for low-carbon alternatives.	Investment in new production technologies or modifications; potential for higher production costs initially; market acceptance and willingness of mining companies to pay a premium for greener options.
Digitalization and Automation	All Stages	Optimization of production processes, improved inventory management, enhanced logistics efficiency and traceability, better customer interaction and service. [Mecalux.cl - Los retos de almacenar productos químicos, Noatum Logistics - Integrated logistics solutions for the Chemical Industry]	Increased operational efficiency and cost reduction; improved safety and compliance management; enhanced supply chain visibility and resilience; developing new data-driven services.	Significant investment in IT infrastructure and software; need for skilled workforce in digital technologies; data security and privacy concerns; integration of disparate systems.

References¶

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Air Liquide - Air Liquide in Chile: https://www.airliquide.cl/en/chile/air-liquide-chile
AméricaEconomía - Chilean Codelco to use explosives with 40% less carbon footprint: https://www.americaeconomia.com/negocios-industria/codelco-usara-explosivos-con-40-menos-huella-de-carbono
Bolsamania - Economía.- La productora chilena SQM registra pérdidas de 377 millones en 2024: https://www.bolsamania.com/noticias/materias-primas/economia--la-productora-chilena-sqm-registra-perdidas-de-377-millones-en-2024--1804905.html
CIRS Group - Chile Launched Second Round of Chemical Registration Under Its "REACH" System: https://www.cirs-group.com/en/news/chile-launches-second-round-of-chemical-registration
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Sumitomo Corporation - Sumitomo Corporation invests in Chilean biocontrol manufacturing company Bio Insumos Nativa: https://www.sumitomocorp.com/en/jp/news/topics/2024/group/20241030
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